Thursday, May 10, 2018

Let’s talk TEAM.  It’s actually one of the most overused buzzwords in business.  Everyone talks team dynamics, team engagement, team building, the secrets of building a great team…etc.  Now, please don’t get me wrong; I’m a huge fan of the concept! 

I have been blessed to say I’ve been part of some incredibly dynamic and successful teams throughout my career.  I simply love being part of the team. 

Monday, May 7, 2018

So you are thinking about opening your own studio? Where should you begin?

Understanding who your members are and what activities you will offer will help define the amenities in your studio and what special features each room must have.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

I am a BIG fan of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). I’ve trained at their gyms. I’ve watched nearly every main event either on Pay Per View or live at the various fight cards. I’ve purchased UFC merchandise and even hired fighters for promotional events for my company.

Over the last 15 years I’d say I have easily paid 10’s of thousands of dollars for UFC events, merchandise and personnel. Needless to say I am a good customer of that company!

Wednesday, April 25, 2018

A lot of people out there are constantly asking me how I successfully left my studio to focus on the next stage of my career, without the studio falling apart. Well, I know you'll be shocked to hear this, but it wasn't a complete success.

The transition didn't happen overnight, it took over a year.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Our industry is constantly changing with new trends, equipment, and fads. As current and aspiring business owners it's critical to stay on top of these trends in order to stay relevant and ahead of the curve in a crowded and competitive market.

But sometimes the best way to stay relevant is looking inward.

Friday, April 13, 2018

When you own a fitness studio, you have so much extra time on your hands that you’d welcome the opportunity to spend hours upon hours dealing with an IRS audit, right?

Yeah, not exactly. Outlined here are some things you should or should not do to help keep the IRS off your back and avoid that dreaded IRS audit. 

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

Business is war and the competition is the enemy--right? Wrong. Though competition is a fundamental aspect of being in business, savvy entrepreneurs know that viewing competitors exclusively as adversaries is shortsighted and potentially damaging.

Every February in Chicago there’s a week properly titled, Restaurant Week. The program was designed to promote the restaurant industry and drive traffic to participating establishments during a typically slow time of year. For fourteen days, diners can enjoy value pricing for lunch and/or dinner throughout the city and surrounding suburbs.

Monday, April 2, 2018

Using discounts to sell the services you offer in your fitness studio is an antiquated technique to get more clients. Discounting puts you on the path to becoming a commodity. This technique is often used as an incentive to get a potential prospect to buy or to reward someone that refers.

Discounting occurs when you don’t have the sales skills to get a prospect to pay what you are worth and possess a negative mindset around money.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

The annual Convention & Trade Show of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) was held March 21-24 in San Diego.  

From the AFS corporate perspective, over 30 meetings were held with a wide variety of fitness industry leaders including major equipment suppliers, new-wave technology firms, certifying organizations, influential trainers, and leading studio operators.

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

As any fitness facility owner knows, staff are crucial to success. They are on the front lines, working with clients, ensuring the day-to-day runs smoothly, and are important advertisements for your business.

Finding the right people to work for you is essential, but once you’ve hired your dream team, the next challenge is to keep them happy, engaged and growing with your business.